PHYTOME LIFE SCIENCES - Key Persons
Having gained his degree in Environmental Geoscience from Cardiff University, Adam's professional career has spanned Innovation, Construction and Agricultural sectors. Over the past five years Adam has designed, developed and project managed the transformation of an idyllic Cornish Estate into a hub of high-tech enterprise and pharmaceutical agriculture.
Adam's passion for the built environment is realised in his home county, aiming to make rural Cornwall a place of enterprise and innovation.
Adam's personal interests are centred around the outdoors, sports, and travel. His appreciation for the natural world and being out on the sea comes top of the leisure list.
Job Titles:
- Quality & Compliance Lead
Cleo is a Biomedical Masters graduate with a specialism in Infection and Immunity. Motivated by lessening the global disease burden, her research interests include molecular biology and novel drug development.
She ignited her passion for team building and management in the scientific sector while supervising in a COVID testing laboratory and has now redirected her enthusiasm into her role at Phytome Life Sciences.
In her free time, Cleo relishes opportunities to backpack both abroad and in her home county of Cornwall. She also enjoys gaming and exercising a variety of creative and artistic interests.
Job Titles:
- Chief Scientific Officer and Co - Founder of Hanway Associates
Dr Henry Fisher is the Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of Hanway Associates, London's global cannabis consultancy. He has previously work at both Volteface and The Beckley foundation, and has a DPhil in chemistry from the University of Oxford.
Job Titles:
- Lead Scientist - Natural Product Chemistry
Jasper is a biogeochemist who has previously worked on the extraction and analysis of biomarkers from organic matter through his PhD and other roles at the University of Plymouth. He applies his core analytical skills from his undergraduate in Chemistry at the University of Bristol and research skills from his Master's in co-polymers, to his interest in the chemistry of natural products. His research and other interests have led him to work across a range of growing systems, from traditional grazing to a high productivity hydroponic micro farm.
Jasper now leads the Natural Product Chemistry team's research across a range of projects from optimising plant extraction methods, to deriving new routes for drugs and developing drug delivery products.
When not in his lab coat, Jasper is regularly found either in the sea, or trudging across a windy moor.
Luke has a bachelor's degree in biomedical science and has recently completed his PhD in molecular biology from the University of Sheffield. His PhD thesis focused on the roles of telomerase in ageing, generating novel transgenic models in order to understand the interplay between telomerase and the ageing immune system. He has thorough experience in complex molecular biological techniques, genetic engineering, biochemistry and analytical chemistry.
A distinguished consultant in pain medicine and anaesthetics at The Royal Marsden, graduated with distinction from King's College London. His groundbreaking research on pain and holistic approach to cancer-related pain management have earned him prestigious recognition.
Job Titles:
- Director of Research and Development
- Distinguished Plant Scientist
Nigel Gale, a distinguished plant scientist, brings his expertise in ecological theory to advanced cultivation and operational roles in the cannabis industry. Holding a Ph.D. in Plant Physiological Ecology from the University of Toronto, Nigel has profoundly influenced cultivation strategies within GACP, EU-GMP, and CUMCS frameworks. He is celebrated for introducing top-selling floral SKUs and developing innovative products such as CBD isolates and THCv vape cartridges.
At Phytome, Nigel is set to elevate the drug development process by constructing a world-class cannabis genotype scaffold. His vision extends to exploring new medicinal plant sources beyond cannabis, aiming to treat a diverse array of ailments. Nigel's previous role as Head of Plant Sciences at Ananda Developments Plc saw him pioneering breeding protocols that markedly improved seed line stability. His tenure as Director of Cultivation at Organigram Inc, and as Master Grower at HEXO Corp, underscores his proficiency in managing large-scale, efficient cultivation operations.
Away from the lab and fields, Nigel immerses himself in the serene beauty of Cornwall. He is often found wandering its picturesque landscapes with his dog Rue, savouring local Cornish pasties, and is gearing up to embrace the challenge of surfing.
A successful serial entrepreneur in healthcare and technology, Sebastian is CEO and creator of the Phytome vision.
Sebastian firmly believes that we are only just beginning to understand the language and interplay of botanical and human chemistry and the opportunity to harness its complexity for the healing of disease.
He built Phytome to deliver the required research capabilities and life sciences investment opportunities to radically accelerate safe and effective new medicines to those in need.
Ellie joined Phytome Life Sciences to pursue her passion for the sciences. Having initially planned to attend university and study Physical Earth Science; Ellie's plans were impacted by the pandemic and now she is learning through experiences and opportunity here at Phytome.
Born and bred in Cornwall, her roots run deep as her family once belonged to the farm where the Phytome campus is now located. Ellie is excited to see the estate now as a hub of innovation and research.
Outside work, Ellie enjoys a multitude of sports and outdoor activities. She has been horse riding for over a decade and practices traditional archery on the Lizard Peninsula as well as paddleboarding and kayaking. She loves the outdoors, but mostly exploring coast paths with her dog Nellie.
30 years' experience in accounting across multiple industries. Roles include company accountant, financial controller, finance manager, as well as company secretary and head of finance. Jonathon has lead complex financial modelling and forecasting and brings with him a wealth of all round operational finance experience. Living on the edge of Dartmoor, Jonathon enjoys exploring the wide landscape in all weathers either on foot or by motorbike, with the coast nearby and the sounds of the sea.
Leigh has over 19 years' pharmaceutical experience in both hospital and community settings. Having begun in pharmaceutical manufacturing and then ward-based roles, Leigh spent a further 9 years at Walgreens Boots Alliance in a variety of senior leadership roles, finally specialising in human resources and learning and development to head up the Boots national Leadership Training Programme.
Leigh continues as an Associate Partner at the General Pharmaceutical Council's Statutory Committee and brings experience in talent and capability, employee experience, and culture.
Outside of work, Leigh loves the outdoors and enjoying all that Cornwall has to offer, as well as fitness, reading, crafts, and spending time with her family.
Mark's passion is for innovation, engineering and opportunity creation for the people of Cornwall.
A lawyer for over 35 years', he Co-founded peer-to-peer lender Folk2Folk and is Founder and CEO of the Parnall Group Limited,
A highly creative and motivated visionary, over 5 years ago Mark purchased the Cornish Estate Phytome calls home and transformed it into a world-class campus for innovation.
A Co-founder of Phytome, what we are today exists because of his pioneering endeavours.
Neil has been employed as the Site Security Manager at Phytome since May2022. Since then, he has been supporting the Senior leadership team in developing and implementing the site security & safety.
Neil has a long and experienced background in both military and Police security. This includes close protection, high threat level management & the planning of high-profile events, of which he has achieved national accreditation.
In his spare time Neil enjoys cooking, long dog walks and is a keen football and rugby supporter. He also has a passion for 80s music.
Michael is an esteemed marine biologist and medical toxicologist with over 40 years of experience. He holds key roles, including Chief Scientist of the Environment Agency of England and Wales and founding board member of Natural England. Michael's research focuses on environmental health and well-being. He was awarded a CBE in 2017 for his contributions.
Job Titles:
- Professor of Plant Physiology at Plymouth University
Professor of Plant Physiology at Plymouth University and the Director of Fuller Education Ltd. With extensive experience, supervising 35 research students and examining over 40 PhD students globally. Holding prestigious positions in the UKCGE and the Council for Doctoral Education. Specializing in Graduate Studies, Stress Resistance in Plants and served as the former Head of Graduate School at the University of Plymouth.
A researcher with a keen interest in plant vitamin C (ascorbic acid) metabolism, focusing on its biosynthesis, photoprotection in photosynthesis, and roles of antioxidants. Leader of the Exeter Mass Spectrometry Facility, conducting small molecule analysis. Current research includes investigating ROS and antioxidants in plants, metabolomics using LC-MS and GC-MS in plants and algae, and studying high-temperature acclimation in algae and cyanobacteria.
35 years industry experience in natural products extraction and application, transitioned to academia in 2008. From 1996 to 2008, serving as Chief Executive and Technical Director of Botanix, a leading extraction company specializing in functional molecules from UK crops. Research focuses on liquid and supercritical CO2 extraction, biocatalysis, and integrating these technologies into biorefinery schemes.
Roarke is Plymouth University graduate, having studied BSc Ocean Science and Marine Conservation and MSc Sustainable Aquaculture. His dissertations focused on microplastics, their distribution, abundance, and harmful effects on marine organisms.
This is his first professional role post MSc and Roake is eager to learn from the highly experienced team. Focusing on controlled environment agriculture, to ultimately combine it with his Aquaculture studies in an aquaponics set up.
He is happy to move to Cornish countryside after growing up near Birmingham. Roarke can enjoy his weekends near the coast; walking, swimming, and learning to surf. His other hobbies include gaming, watching movies and reading, especially H. P. Lovecraft and JRR Tolkien.
Phytome-funded CASE PhD student in pharmaceutical enzymology. Sahara holds a BSc Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry and MPhil Biotechnology both from Manchester University. Her expertise span computational bioinformatics, in vitro directed enzyme design and directed evolution, industrial biotechnology and directed biosynthetic catalysis.
Job Titles:
- Senior Research Technician
Tarian is a Biochemistry graduate from the University of Bath. Formerly working in analysis of pharmaceutical and healthcare products/ingredients, he has gained experience in a broad range of analytical techniques and instrument use.
During his degree he found interest in cancer mechanisms, and novel drug development, which motivated him to join Phytome Life Sciences and be a part of the exciting bio-pharmaceutical research undertaken here.
Outside of work he enjoys regular runs, playing badminton, and baking and occasionally partaking in surfing, drawing, and exploring all that Cornwall has to offer.